The Details

Mumbai ranks among the world’s most important cities, not only as a tourist destination, but also as a center of international business. In light of this, General Hotel Management Ltd. (GHM) has unveiled plans for The Aayu Mumbai, a 42-suite luxury hotel scheduled to open in December. The Aayu Mumbai will claim the top five floors of Kohinoor Square’s Central Tower, the tallest commercial building in the city. The all-suite hotel overlooks historic Shivaji Park and offers views of the Arabian Sea to the west, and the island mainland to the east.

“We feel that the timing is excellent for GHM to increase our presence in the Indian market,” said Akira Moreno, GHM vice president of development and pre-opening services. “Research and trends have shown that room night demands still outweigh the supply, particularly in the luxury niche.”

Interior designer Jaya Ibrahim, who previously partnered with GHM on The Legian Bali, The Chedi Muscat and The Nam Hai, will design The Aayu’s interior spaces, including its 42 suites ranging in size from 213 to 508 square feet.

Moreno further noted that given The Aayu Mumbai’s size, premium amenities and intended level of service, the hotel is well-suited to the needs of senior level executives.

The Aayu Mumbai will also be the setting for India’s first restaurants by world famous chef Joël Robuchon and culinary star Hide Yamamoto. Joël Robuchon, named Chef of the Century by the Gault Millau guide and the only chef to be awarded 28 Michelin stars, will open his 8th L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at The Aayu. The restaurant will serve contemporary French cuisine and will feature a tea lounge, a pastry shop and a collection of fine wines handpicked by Robuchon.

Japanese chef and 2010 Global Chef Award recipient Hide Yamamoto will oversee a second restaurant showcasing new generation Japanese cuisine from its charcoal Robata grill, homemade ramen noodle bar and sushi and sake counter.

“With the involvement of Joël Robuchon and Hide Yamamoto, GHM is redefining the culinary landscape and luxury offering of Mumbai in the same way the Kohinoor Square tower is transforming the city skyline,” said GHM president Hans R. Jenni. “Each of these chefs is an exceptional, world-renown talent. Through their collaboration with GHM, The Aayu will emerge as a new style icon in Mumbai."

A library lounge and bar, a cigar and cognac lounge, an exclusive malt bar and a boardroom will occupy the 49th floor. Instead of having a fixed location, the hotel’s spa will offer treatments conducted in the privacy of guestrooms. The Aayu’s 50th-floor rooftop terrace will be home to Mumbai’s highest bar, complemented by a swimming pool and deck with ocean views.